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Idealease Safety Bulletin - How are You Retaining Strong Fleet Drivers?

Apr. 9 2021 Miscellaneous By McCandless Idealease

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The latest Idealease Safety Bulletin has arrived and it's packed full with safety and compliance information for you and your team!  Read the entire bulletin online here, or click the image below to download a PDF version.  Don't forget to sign up to have them delivered straight to your inbox each week for instant access to the latest safety news, tips and information!  

Looking for past safety bulletins? Check out the complete archive at: https://www.idealease.com/safety-compliance/safety-bulletins


How are you retaining strong fleet drivers?

This past January, Heavy-Duty Trucking Magazine released its 2021 Economic Outlook for the trucking industry. Four items were mentioned for having an impact, with the number 1 item being driver shortage. 

  1. DRIVER SHORTAGE - FEWER DRIVERS AVAILABLE 
    • Nearly 200,000 fewer drivers in 2021 from reduced commercial driver training and licensing due to the pandemic, plus the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.
    • Additional government stimulus dollars could keep even more from starting a driving career or coming back to the trucking industry. 

Some additional info:

  • Average age of a commercial truck driver is 55
  • It is estimated that 89,000 new drivers will have to be hired each year for the next 10 years
  • 45% of which are required merely to account for driver retirement
  • 33% of which to keep up with increase in demand
  • Driver salaries expected to increase for retention

Driver Retention Tips:

  1. Review company policies and ensure they are forthright and achievable by your drivers.  The number one reason a driver leaves the employment of a motor carrier is that the driver feels that the company has been dishonest with them. 
  2. Understand that all drivers need to be recognized as an asset to the company and a valued part of the company in all aspects of their operations and performance.  Review your driver policy and procedures manual to ensure the company culture implies longevity of drivers and employees. 
  3. Involve drivers in the operations of your company on a regular basis, i.e.: equipment selection, accident review committees, policy and procedure issues, customer service relationships etc.  Show interest in your drivers and their well-being, be sure to develop a relationship with your drivers that is consistent from the top management and ownership down.
  4. Review your pay and benefit programs to make sure they are competitive.
  5. Keep your vehicle maintained with a systematic maintenance and inspection program that insures a safe operating unit for your driver.
  6. Provide ongoing driver training. 
  7. Strictly adhere to your driver hiring and selection standards.  Qualified, experienced drivers to not want to be associated with a company that hires substandard drivers.
  8. Provide a structured and comprehensive new driver orientation-training program so that drivers are comfortable with an understanding of policies and procedures of the company prior to being placed into service. 
  9. Recognize drivers for their achievements and performance.  Safe driving awards, longevity awards, customer service, etc.  Provide the drivers with personalized recognition that they cannot get anywhere else.   Coats with their name and achievement, decals for the side of their units with their first name and achievement, plaques, etc.  All driver recognition should take place with other drivers as their peers in attendance.
  10. When a driver terminates employment, conduct an exit interview to try to determine what the actual reason for the driver leaving your place of employment.

National Work Zone Awareness Week

National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) starts in a few weeks! Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives. Help encourage safe driving through highway work zones and construction sites. Learn More at https://www.nwzaw.org/ 


WHICH CLASS CDL DO I NEED?

Do you need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a straight truck less than 26,001 pounds GVWR with air brakes?

The definition of a Commercial Motor Vehicle for the purpose of requiring a CDL as described in CFR 383.5 is as follows:

  • Has a gross combination weight rating of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more) inclusive of the towed unit(s) with a gross weight rating of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds)
  • Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 11,794 or more kilograms (26,001 pounds or more)
  • Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
  • Is of any size and is used in the transportation of hazardous materials as defined in CFR 383.5.

Therefore, the answer is NO.  However, your state may require a chauffeur’s license for a vehicle with a GVWR 10,000 pounds or more and less than 26,001 pounds, i.e., Michigan and Illinois.

Also, please remember there is no such thing as an air brake endorsement! In reference to a Class A or B CDL there is an air brake restriction only.  This means that the license holder either failed the air brake section of their CDL examination or they used a CMV without air brakes for their skills test.

MAY IS MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH

Motorist awareness is an important component of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's comprehensive motorcycle safety program. Over two-thirds of fatal motorcycle crashes involve a motorcycle and another vehicle. The motorist either does not see the oncoming motorcycle at all or does not see the motorcycle in time to avoid a crash. It is important for motorists to know that their actions affect the safety of motorcyclists. A motorist and a motorcyclist may take different actions for the same driving or highway situation. For example, a motorist may ignore a piece of road debris; however, that same piece of road debris may be deadly for a motorcyclist.

As a motorist or a passenger there are some steps to become more aware of motorcyclists.

Respect the motorcyclist:  Give the motorcyclist a full lane of travel, as the motorcycle is a vehicle with all the privileges of any vehicle on the roadway. 

Look out:  Look for the motorcyclist on the highway, at intersections, when a motorcyclist may be making a left turn, and when a motorcyclist may be changing lanes. Clearly signal your intentions.

Anticipate a motorcyclist's maneuver:  Obstructions (debris, potholes, etc.) that you may ignore or not notice can be deadly for a motorcyclist. Predict evasive actions.

Allow plenty of space:  Allow enough room for the motorcyclist to take evasive actions and do not follow too closely. 


INTERNATIONAL ROADCHECK SET FOR MAY 4-6 WITH EMPHASIS ON LIGHTING AND HOURS OF SERVICE - Learn More https://www.cvsa.org/programs/international-roadcheck/

International Roadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world, with nearly 17 trucks or buses inspected, on average, every minute in Canada, the United States and Mexico during a 72-hour period. Since its inception, more than 1.5 million roadside inspections have been conducted during International Roadcheck campaigns.

International Roadcheck is a CVSA program with participation by the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada, and the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (Mexico).

 North American Standard Level I Inspection:

  • the most thorough roadside inspection that will be primarily conducted
  • 37-step procedure that includes an examination of both driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. 
  • Drivers are required to provide items such as their driver’s license, hours-of-service documentation, motor carrier registration and shipping documentation, and inspectors will be checking drivers for seat belt usage and the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 
  • The vehicle inspection includes checking items such as the brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft, exhaust systems, frames, fuel systems, lighting devices (required lamps), steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, van and open-top trailer bodies, wheels, rims and hubs, windshield wipers, and emergency exits (on buses).

*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.